Horticulturist - Projects

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we've been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We're also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we'd love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Horticulturist to join our busy Projects team within our Horticulture and Botany division.

Our Horticulturist will be part of a team who develop and maintain a wide range of horticultural features and activities within our Animal and Plant Division and the wider zoo environment.

Our Horticulturist will landscape and plant animal enclosures and garden features, maintaining lawns, hedges, bedding displays, mature trees and the Zoo's newly created 5-hectare nature reserve, Plus browse areas at Woodside farm.

• A minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable, and proven practical horticultural experience
• Experience operating a wide range of horticultural machinery and equipment efficiently and safely
• Excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors
• Full driving licence valid in the UK
• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates
• An understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife

• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank holidays as rostered.
• Permanent contract

• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities